By Art Buchwald
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
"The best things in life aren’t things." This Art Buchwald quote about happiness cuts straight to the heart of what gives us real joy. In a fast-moving world where new possessions and gadgets arrive daily, it’s easy to lose track of what matters most. That single, simple line hints that genuine happiness does not come from items we buy or collect. Whether you are chasing a promotion, filling your closet, or upgrading your devices, these words serve as a reminder to pause and reflect. They offer a nudge to focus on something deeper—something that can shape our days for the better.
What Does This Quote Mean?
When Art Buchwald wrote, "The best things in life aren’t things," he was challenging the idea that real happiness comes from owning material objects. The literal meaning is clear: some of the most important parts of life are not items you can touch, buy, or show off. The deeper meaning goes further. It is a gentle wake-up call, telling us to look beyond objects and see the true sources of happiness: relationships, experiences, personal growth, and moments of genuine connection.
People naturally seek comfort and recognition and sometimes believe these can be found through possessions. New cars, fancy clothes, and large houses are seen as symbols of success. Yet pretty often, the positive feelings from these things fade quickly. What endures are memories from time spent with loved ones, laughter shared with friends, and simple moments of kindness. All these things cannot be wrapped in a box, stored on a shelf, or measured by price.
This Art Buchwald quote about happiness suggests that life’s real treasures live in connection and meaning, not in owning more. Whether you are rich or just starting out, you have access to joy through the people you love, the things you learn, and the moments that make you feel alive. It is a timeless idea—one that brings value back to the basics, and reminds us not to confuse what we own with how fulfilled we are.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Reframe Your Definitions of Success
Instead of measuring your worth by what you own, start paying attention to experiences that enrich your life. Success can look like a strong friendship, time spent pursuing a hobby, or simply sharing a meal with family. Use this Art Buchwald quote about happiness to shape new benchmarks for what winning really looks like.
2. Value People Over Possessions
When you feel tempted to chase after the latest phone or gadget, pause and ask yourself who brings you joy and support. Investing your energy in relationships pays greater returns than any shopping spree. Make regular plans to meet with friends, call someone you care about, or write a thank-you note. The presence of loved ones often outshines the pleasure of any new item.
3. Make Memories Instead of Buying Stuff
If you are celebrating a milestone or holiday, consider giving the gift of an experience rather than objects. Go for a walk in the park, plan a game night, or cook together at home. Photos and shared stories will last in your memory much longer than things you might forget in a drawer. Planning and living shared moments truly brings happiness to the surface.
4. Practice Gratitude for Life’s Intangibles
Take a moment every day to notice moments of beauty or connection—a sunrise, a smile, a conversation. Try keeping a gratitude journal focused not on what you own, but on warm feelings, connections, or little victories. Regularly remembering what you have, that isn’t an item, helps reset your sense of abundance and joy.
5. Seek Fulfillment in Growth and Purpose
Pursue hobbies or passions that make your heart sing, whether it’s painting, volunteering, or learning something new. These do not require expensive equipment or status symbols—they require deeper engagement and meaningful effort. True happiness often comes from a sense of purpose or growth, not a stack of new purchases.
You do not have to leave behind all possessions, but you can make room for experiences and connection in your everyday choices. This mindset is not about rejecting things entirely, but about putting them in their right place. When you focus on what brings true happiness, you find you often need much less than you think.
✨ The Motivation Message
Life is full of moments that money can never buy! It’s the laughter between friends, a hug that says everything, and the quiet satisfaction of helping someone. Every single day gives you the chance to find happiness in something real. You have more riches than you know—your kindness, your curiosity, your connections. Imagine what can happen if you give these treasures your focus! The best part: you already own them, right now. You are more than any checklist or shopping cart—your life can be full and joyful just by showing up, sharing, and noticing what truly matters. So today, choose to put people and experiences first! Open your heart, let gratitude in, and go make a memory that costs nothing but means everything. 🌟
About Art Buchwald
Art Buchwald, who was born in 1925 and died in 2007, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American humorist and newspaper columnist. He became famous for his sharp wit and his ability to find humor in everyday life, politics, and society. Raised in difficult circumstances, Art Buchwald learned early on about the real value of connection and resilience. His writing reflected both skepticism about chasing wealth and an appreciation for the small joys that make life meaningful.
Buchwald wrote for The Washington Post and other major publications, where he used humor to expose the absurdities of modern culture. He had a talent for highlighting what people missed in their rush for more—reminding readers that love, laughter, and kindness outweighed any accumulation of belongings. The quote, "The best things in life aren’t things," fits squarely within his lifelong theme of finding joy and fulfillment in what cannot be bought. Through his work, Art Buchwald inspired countless readers to rethink their priorities and seek true happiness in the connections and experiences that last.
